Why You Should Volunteer: Hear from the Members Who Shape the SOE

I volunteer my time because the industry has given me 45 years’ experience. Its rewarding to give back and share this knowledge and experience to other engineers helping them to develop and grow their careers. I get satisfaction from sharing best practice with my fellow engineers as well as enhancing my own knowledge from their experiences.

As a Trustee, I volunteer on behalf of our organisation to add value and help achieve our goals. Our reward comes from seeing the progress we’re making in advancing the future of engineering, regardless of the specific field.

I have experience in: I have extensive experience in both private and public industries. Throughout my career, I have developed significant expertise in engineering and education, holding various positions both nationally and locally at Centre level. I have also contributed to numerous initiatives aimed at developing transport engineering. My professional journey has equipped me with the skills and insights necessary to help our society effectively and efficiently.

I benefit from participating because it’s crucial to recognise that our organisation remains relevant and adaptable to changing times and technologies. There is fantastic work being carried out by all involved, including staff, Board volunteers, Professional Sector Councils, and at Region/Centre levels. I benefit from knowing that I am helping to move the SOE forward, making it a stronger organisation that continues to deliver excellent support to its members and the engineering community.

I volunteer on the Environmental Professional Sector Committee as Chairman. I am driven to inform our membership on how environmental engineering and processes impact all aspects SOE engineering practices. To bring all Professional Sectors closer together in promoting and practicing National Net Zero initiatives. 

I have experience of chairing committees and as a Trustee on the Engineering Council Board, have an understanding of current and future professional registration standards and how these shall impact the SOE routes and practices to UK professional registration.

As part of a Sector Committee I gain an understanding of the needs and aspirations of our members and how through their involvement with a PSC can influence the direction of activities to address current and emerging initiatives and standards.

Having joined the IRTE in 1982 I have spent a working lifetime endeavouring to provide support and guidance for the organisations I worked in and the wider road transport industry. This was achieved by offering insights into how the construction materials sector manage and conclude vehicle engineering opportunities. I have taken the opportunity with the PSC to serve as Chair to continue sharing my knowledge and skills with the wider transport engineering community and additionally trying to support the next generation of road transport engineers.

I have a breadth of engineering skills, knowledge and experience gained from a career based entirely within the field of road transport. I get an enormous amount of satisfaction from contributing and supporting the SOE / IRTE in the many roles I’ve had the privilege to be asked to do. From a personal point of view I can keep my knowledge updated and fresh by continuing to work alongside other equally active contributors

Like many people service is important to me, both personally and professionally and as such I try to return gratitude wherever possible. Volunteering with SOE is one way of acknowledging the help and support that was so generously afforded to me in the past by engineers,  and hopefully I can make a contribution to engineers and others in today's world. I recognise that life is an endless cycle of learning and being close to engineers in my professional sector by serving on the Environmental PSC helps me see the views of others and therefore makes me a more caring and responsible engineer in my professional practice.

I have experience in design, construction, and maintenance of large-scale civil engineering public sector infrastructure projects but with experience I've come to recognise the environmental impact that comes with having these assets, in particular the environmental legacy that we will leave the young people of our planet.